I missed the Killyleagh 5 this year, physically that is, though it was in my thoughts as I relaxed at he end of my “Tracks to Wex” cycle ride – but more of that next week. The fact that it proved the most successful so far with a record turnout on an ideal evening for running may suggest that perhaps I should miss it more often.
The race was won in 27.20 by East Down’s Barrie Atkinson in celebration of his winning of the Over 35 category in the Pure Running Half Marathon series, achieved in time to avoid having to participate in the final round, the Dambusters Half and 10K on Saturday. Annadale’s Paul Carroll was a clear 2nd ahead of Neil Weir of Lunchtime Legend’s. East Down’s
Catherine O’Connor made it a host club double, leading the ladies home with from Ballydrain’s Denise Logue and Fiona Johnston in second and third respectively. Once again the Ballydrain Harriers turned out in droves, supplying a quarter of the entire field. Well Done and thanks to them.
JUNIOR RACES
Edie Carroll followed up her success in last year’s Primary school children’s race by taking the Secondary school title this year, boosted by a good run in the 800 metres in the Super 5 series the previous night and was backed up by big sister Ella to take the School’s trophy for Down High. All this of course must have proved inspiring to dad Paul who later took a fine second place in the 5 Mile event while mother Alison made it a memorable night out by returning to racing mode after a spell behind the camera lens.
Owen Edwards was the comfortable winner of the Secondary Boys race ahead of Willowfield’s Nathan McBride and East Down’s Christopher O’Connor. In the Primary school race Dylan McBride was first across the line but Libby Maloney and Mackenzie Murray combined in 2nd and 3rd places to take the Schools trophy for Cedar IPS.
THANKS
A huge Thank You to everyone who helped in my absence, especially the super efficient Mags Mathieson and to everyone who took part. All proceeds will go to the local branch of the Alzheimers Society.
DAMBUSTERS 10K and HALF MARATHON
Saturday was Dambusters race day in the Silent Valley, this year featuring a 10K and a Half Marathon, the final in the Pure Running Half Marathon series. It was notable for the achievement of Michael McKeown in that he has taken part in every round, 10 in all, not just this year but in the past 2 years as well. Declan Teague was first East Down man to finish, crossing the line in 10th place in under 90 minutes with Phillip Vint 24th in 1.36 and Michael 40th in 1.39.
Helen Vint gave notice of her well being with a nicely judged 2.02 timing while Linda Cunningham 2.13 was using it as a warm up for next weekend’s Titanic Quarter Ultra Marathon, a mere 50K.
NEXT WEEK and BEYOND
Apart from the aforementioned Ultra event the Laganside 10K, this year incorporating the NI 10K Road Racing Championships, for so long associated with the Joe Seeley, takes place on Sunday 7 September.
Locally the novelty Steeplechase on behalf of Action Mental Health will be held in Delamont Country Park on Saturday 20 September at 11.00am
Joe Quinn
1 September 2014